The city of Rabat, Morocco, is now officially home to the permanent headquarters of the African Capitals of Culture, a pan-African programme launched in 2018 to strengthen cultural cooperation among cities across the continent and promote African creativity.

Inaugurated on 18 June, the new headquarters is intended to be more than an administrative office. Designed as a space for dialogue and collaboration, it combines Moroccan craftsmanship, contemporary design, and African materials. Its centrepiece is a large meeting table created by Malian designer Cheick Diallo, inspired by the “tree of conversation,” a symbol of Africa’s traditions of dialogue and shared knowledge.

Established in Rabat following an agreement with the African Union, the headquarters will coordinate future editions of the programme and support cultural cooperation among cities, artists, and institutions across Africa.

The inauguration also celebrated the legacy of Rabat as the first African Capital of Culture. Held in 2022, the programme brought together museums, galleries, theatres, libraries, and public spaces across the city, engaging nearly 4,000 artists from more than 30 African countries.

During the event, Cape Verde was officially announced as the host of the 2028 edition of the African Capitals of Culture. Coordinated from the city of Praia and extending across the entire archipelago, the programme will highlight Creole heritage, Atlantic connections, and cultural exchanges between Africa and its diasporas.

The African Capitals of Culture programme continues to establish itself as a platform for celebrating the continent’s cultural diversity while strengthening collaboration and dialogue through arts and culture.